You Keep Thinking, Meanwhile I finish it off !! Embrace Imperfection: Innovate and Take Calculated Risks! ??

During the first wave of #COVID-19 in 2020, I was mentoring someone who was struggling with ideation in their team.

They shared how great ideas were being shut down because some products proposed for launch were considered and termed as not being "antiviral" or "antivirus" enough.

The focus was on how to handle the situation, increase business, and make the best of what we could do. However, some companies didn't let that mindset hold them back. They launched innovative products that might not have been perfect but were a starting point.

Forgotten Basics of Creativity ??

To foster a successful ideation process, it’s crucial to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas without fear of judgment. Here are some basics to remember:

1. Not to insult anyone
2. Not to challenge negatively
3. Allow people to speak
4. Listen actively
5. Focus on the idea, not the person
6. Encourage wild ideas
7. Build on others' ideas
8. Avoid criticism
9. Use positive language
10. Show respect
11. Keep an open mind
12. Foster a culture of creativity, curiosity, and courage

Understanding the "Why" Behind Innovation

& by saying "Why Not" and not just "WHY?'

We discussed the importance of understanding the "Why" behind innovation, a concept inspired by #SimonSinek Golden Circle. Knowing the "Why" helps teams stay focused on their purpose and the impact they want to make, even when the path isn't clear or perfect. The Golden Circle emphasizes starting with "Why"—the core belief or purpose—before moving to "How" (the process) and "What" (the result). The way should be motivating people & by saying "Why Not" and not just "WHY?'

Overcoming the Fear of Imperfection

Many teams hesitate to launch products that aren't perfect, fearing criticism or failure. Here are some strategies to overcome this fear and embrace a growth mindset:

• Focus on Feedback and Iteration: Launching an imperfect product isn't the end; it's the beginning. Gathering feedback and continuously iterating based on that feedback helps refine the product and make it more effective.
• Calculate Risk vs. Reward: Assess the potential risks and rewards of launching an imperfect product. Sometimes, the risk of delaying a launch outweighs the potential benefits of a perfect product.
• Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Encourage your team to view challenges and failures as opportunities for learning and growth. This mindset fosters resilience and adaptability.
• Real-Life Examples: Consider well-known products like the original iPhone, which, despite its initial flaws, revolutionized the smartphone industry through continuous updates and improvements.
• Quantify the Cost of Delayed Launch: Delaying a product launch due to perfectionism can lead to missed market opportunities and increased costs. Understanding these potential losses can help teams make more informed decisions.

Examples of Antibacterial and Antifungal Products Launched in India Post-COVID:

Disclaimer: This table is based on my best knowledge and may not be complete or entirely accurate. If you have any corrections or additions, please feel free to share!

Empathy and Multiple Perspectives

Understanding and empathizing with your target audience is crucial for innovation. By considering multiple viewpoints and perspectives, you can create products and solutions that are more inclusive and effective.

Practical Exercises to Boost Creativity

• Open-Ended Questions: Use open-ended questions to stimulate thinking and creativity within your team.
• Visualization Techniques: Encourage visualization techniques like mind mapping to generate and connect ideas.
• Team Activities: Engage in team exercises that foster creativity, such as brainstorming sessions, role-playing, or creative workshops.

Remember, innovation is about progress, not perfection! ?? Don’t let fear hold you back from exploring new ideas. Knowing your "Why" can keep you focused and motivated, even when the road is tough.

What calculated risks have you taken that led to innovative solutions? Let’s share and learn together!

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DTU-DCE Fraternity Forum Vashist K Amit Fellow CEng